Solenoid with a mechanical locking linkage

Abstract

A solenoid device is provided which includes a bobbin having an armature bore through its center; a plunger partially extending into the bore and serving as an armature of the solenoid; and a coil wound around the bobbin for generating magnetic flux to move the plunger axially in the bore. The plunger includes a first segment which moves axially in the bore of the bobbin in response to magnetic flux generated by the coil. The plunger also includes a second segment which serves as the latching device for the locking mechanism. Finally, the plunger includes a linkage connecting the first and second segments together and mounting devices for mounting the linkage to the first and second segments. This linkage pivots in response to a compressive force applied to the plunger and engages a stop disposed proximate the plunger, preventing the second segment from moving out of a latching position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A solenoid device comprising: a bobbin defining an armature bore therein; a plunger extending into said bore and serving as an armature for said solenoid; coil means surrounding said bobbin for generating magnetic flux to move said plunger axially in said bore; and stop means disposed proximate said plunger for engagement by said plunger; said plunger including a main body portion and engaging means for extending transversely and outwardly of said plunger main body portion in response to compressive forces applied to said plunger to engage said stop means and to thereby prevent movement of said plunger inward of said bore. 
     
     
       2. The solenoid device of claim 1, wherein said main body portion of said plunger and said bore have noncircular complementary cross sections. 
     
     
       3. The solenoid device of claim 1, wherein said stop means is a portion of said bobbin circumjacent said bore. 
     
     
       4. A solenoid device comprising: a bobbin defining an armature bore therein; a plunger extending into said bore and serving as an armature of said solenoid; coil means surrounding said bobbin for generating magnetic flux to move said plunger axially in said bore; and stop means disposed proximate said plunger for engagement by said plunger; said plunger including a first segment formed out of material having high magnetic permeability and being movable axially in said bore by the magnetic flux generated by said coil means, a second segment, at least one linking member disposed between said first and second segments for connecting said first and second segments together, and mounting means for mounting said linking member to said first and second segments whereby said linking member pivots transversely and outwardly of said first segment in response to a compressive force applied to said plunger to engage said stop means and thereby to prevent said second segment from moving inward of said bore. 
     
     
       5. The solenoid device of claim 4, wherein said first segment of said plunger and said bore have noncircular complementary cross sections. 
     
     
       6. The solenoid device of claim 4, wherein said stop means is a portion of said bobbin circumjacent said bore. 
     
     
       7. The solenoid device of claim 4, wherein said mounting means includes an inclined cam slot in said linking member. 
     
     
       8. A plunger extending into an armature bore of a solenoid device having a stop disposed thereon, said plunger being moveable by magnetic flux generated by a coil means of said solenoid device, said plunger comprising: a first segment formed out of material having high magnetic permeability and being moveable axially in said bore by the magnetic flux generated by said coil means, a second segment, at least one linking member disposed between said first and second segments for connecting said first and second segments together, and mounting means for mounting said linking member to said first and second segments whereby said linking member pivots transversely and outwardly of said first segment in response to a compressive force applied to said plunger to engage said stop means and to thereby prevent said second segment from moving inward of said bore. 
     
     
       9. The solenoid device of claim 7, wherein said mounting means includes an inclined cam slot in said linking member. 
     
     
       10. The solenoid device of claim 1 wherein said engaging means includes a locking link movable outwardly of said plunger by a camming action in response to such compressive forces. 
     
     
       11. The solenoid device in claim 10 wherein said locking link is pivotally mounted on said plunger. 
     
     
       12. The solenoid device of claim 1 wherein said engaging means is of magnetically impermeable material.